We Are Clean – Lupopo Hits Back At Orlando Pirates
The war of words continues between Orlando Pirates and St. Eloi Lupopo, as the Congolese club’s CEO, Jean-Luc Kapend, has hit back at the South African giants following their official protest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Buccaneers were knocked out of the CAF Champions League in dramatic fashion after a 3–3 aggregate draw, losing to Lupopo in a tense penalty shootout during the second preliminary round. But the fallout has since spilled off the pitch — straight into the hands of CAF’s judicial structures.
⚖️ Pirates’ Protest Sparks Continental Controversy
Pirates lodged a formal complaint to CAF, alleging that Lupopo fielded ineligible personnel during the tie. The Soweto club’s claims centre on three key issues:
- Head coach Guy Bukasa allegedly being ineligible due to a six-match ban from a past U-20 AFCON disciplinary case.
- Forward Henoc Molia reportedly being registered outside the CAF transfer window.
- Midfielder Wanet Kashala (also referred to as Ramos Kashala) allegedly holding two different passports.
CAF has confirmed receiving the protest and stated that the matter is now with its independent judicial bodies, who will determine whether any rules were breached.
💬 Kapend: “Pirates Took Wrong Information”
Lupopo CEO Jean-Luc Kapend has dismissed all of Pirates’ allegations, insisting the Congolese side followed every CAF rule to the letter.
“Orlando Pirates took wrong information,” Kapend told local media. “[Ramos] Kashala was registered on 29 September — one day before the window closed. Pirates were misled because they saw the announcement on social media after registration.”
On the passport concerns, Kapend clarified that Henoc Molia’s documentation is valid, saying:
“In Congo, we changed passports. The one we used for registration is the official and valid passport. There’s nothing irregular about it.”
Addressing the issue of coach Guy Bukasa, Kapend was equally firm:
“There’s a problem of interpretation. Article 29.6 says suspensions only concern the competition where the offence occurred — in this case, the U-20 AFCON, not the CAF Champions League. CAF gave us a list of suspended officials and players, and Bukasa’s name was not there.”
He concluded emphatically:
“The competition will continue, and for Lupopo, we are clean.”
🔍 What Happens Next?
CAF has yet to make a ruling, but its confirmation that the matter is under judicial review means a decision could impact the Champions League lineup.
If Pirates’ protest is upheld, there is a possibility they could be reinstated into the CAF Champions League group stage, potentially joining Mamelodi Sundowns in the competition.
Until then, the Buccaneers must wait — as CAF’s disciplinary process runs its course.
